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Robert Joseph Lehner

1936 - 2023

BORN

1936

DIED

2023

Robert Lehner Obituary

Robert Joseph Lehner
September 1, 1936 - January 15, 2023
Miami, Florida - Robert J. Lehner, son of Irving R. and Bertha (Gold) Lehner, husband of Lisa Berlow Lehner, father of Isabelle Bronte Madeline, brother of Hon. Edward Lehner (Lois), uncle of Brynne Colter and Ivy Stahl, and loyal friend to many, died January 15, 2023 of complications from Parkinson's Disease. Robert (Bob) grew up in Washington Heights, NYC, attended Columbia College (BA 1957) where he played baseball and basketball, earning the Blair Bat (highest batting average in the Ivies) in 1957. He played minor league baseball for the Cleveland Indians organization, before attending Columbia Law School (JD 1961). Robert's distinguished public service included serving as an Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan and as Chief of the Homicide Bureau under District Attorneys Frank Hogan and Robert Morgenthau (1961-1976). He then served as the Deputy Chief Counsel for the U.S. House of Representatives' Select Committee on Assassinations, where he led the investigation into the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (1976-1978). Bob served in the U.S,. Department of Justice from 1978 until his retirement in 2022, as the Chief of the Organized Crime Strike Force (Miami) and then as Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. Bob was the moral North Star for all who knew him; his kindness, courage, humility, and integrity will be sorely missed and eternally remembered.

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Published by the Miami Herald on Jan. 18, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Lehner

13 Entries

Emanuel Molho

January 10, 2025

The most honest, kind, down-to-earth friend one could have. Brilliant mind, great athlete. May he rest in peace.

Emanuel Molho

Jim McMaster

February 28, 2023

We fondly remember sharing time with Bob and Lisa at Hy Long and Dirty Nellys. Our deepest condolences to Lisa and family, Bob will be missed but always remembered.
Love, Jim and Donna McMaster

Peter Yellin

February 16, 2023

I am heart broken to learn of the loss of Bobby.
A star among stars, yet so humble and kind.
Peter Yellin, CC `57

Robert Calabrese (IRS-CI)

January 25, 2023

Bob was the AUSA on my very first case back in 2008. I had the pleasure of working with him again a few years after that. I learned from him and to this day he was the most personable AUSA I´ve had the chance to work with. A kind, honest, and intelligent human being willing to offer his knowledge to you. I will surely miss our conversations. To his family, thank you for sharing his time with us.

Emanuel Molho

January 22, 2023

I have not seen Bob for 70 years since we graduated from high school in 1953. Yet, reading about his passing saddened me deeply. Not only was Bob one of the best athletes in the neighbor hood, he was one of nicest, down-to-earth, individuals and I felt blessed to have him as a close friend. I know that he will be deeply missed by Eddie as well as his entire family and I send you all my heartfelt condolences.

Manny Molho (classmate and friend of Bobby).

Janet Bass

January 22, 2023

Dear Lisa and Isabelle,
I remember Bob as a warm and loving Dad when Izzy was enrolled at Beth David ECC. It was always a pleasure to speak to him and you and share the joy that your sweet daughter brought to you. May your shared memories of Bob be a blessing.
Janet Bass

Jeanne Aragon

January 21, 2023

Lisa, Rudy and I were sad to hear of Bob's passing. He was always such a pleasure to be around. He was smart, able and a good person. He will be missed.

Jeanne Aragon

Bruce Budwig

January 18, 2023

I believe the last sentence summarizes the man I remember perfectly. Humble, kind, honest. It was a pleasure to know him. I´m very sorry for our loss.

S Chambers

January 18, 2023

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Please take comfort in the words found at 2nd Thessalonians 2:16,17.

Steve, Tony, and Kevin

January 17, 2023

On behalf of Miami DEA group 43, we would like to remember Robert and his successes with Operation Fishnet and so many other sensitive investigations. God Bless!

Joseph DeMaria

January 17, 2023

Lisa: When I heard of Bob´s passing, my thoughts went back over 35 years ago to showing up my first day in Miami as a Strike Force prosecutor and the four years of my working relationship with your husband. I also remembered the picnic outings at your condo on Brickell Avenue. I will always remember Bob as my Chief as it was those formative years learning from Bob that helped make my career as a lawyer. I so very much appreciate the opportunity to have known and worked with Bob. My thoughts are with you. Joe.

Jay Moskowitz

January 17, 2023

I worked with and for Bob at the Miami Strike Force many years ago and spoke with him many times since then. He was such a kind and unassuming man. My thoughts are with Lisa and the rest of his family.

Kevin Pedersen

January 17, 2023

I was blessed to have several of my DEA prosecutions handled by Robert. He was a fine man with amazing professional practices. And he was powerful in the court room. I am blessed to have known him. Kevin Pedersen

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